2001 Kawasaki KL250 Super Sherpa

Summary:

Fun, reliable, simple, basic transportation

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I found this at a garage sale; it was not even broken in yet, and had not run in 8 years. I drained the fuel tank and cleaned it out, the carb was clean, put in new battery and it fired right up. I replaced the stock Bridgestone Trailwings for Avon Distanzia tires as I ride more street than dirt. I added a small windshield and trunk on the rear rack, and it makes a good commuter bike for in town use. The seat is not the most comfortable, but I'm comparing it to my Buell Ulysses, which is all day comfortable.

It fits a 6' 200 pound rider with 32" inseam. I can flat foot it at stops, it is easy to ride, the six speed transmission works flawlessly, and it will run Interstate speeds (70 mph), but it's not at home there; it is a great back road / fire trail blaster.

One drawback to it is the small fuel tank; I hit the reserve at around 100-110 miles, but I usually need a break by then anyway. The other is its small size from the front. I had trouble with cars and even other bikers pulling out in front of me, as it must appear to them as a moped not going that fast. I added two fluorescent orange stripes to the windscreen, and that has seemed to helped with that problem.

All in all, a great little bike. I would recommend it as a fun reliable commuter/back road bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th September, 2011

2002 Kawasaki KL250 Super Sherpa

Summary:

Great bike for having fun

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is my second motorcycle, the first was a Yamaha TW200 that I owned for a few months last year. I realized that I wanted something a little more civilized, a little faster, with better braking and a sixth gear. The Super Sherpa has all that and more.

The bike is remarkably smooth running with very limited engine vibration. The gear driven balancer really seems to work well.

The bike has a plush seat and a fairly soft suspension, good for these older bones. Most importantly, the bike has great brakes, discs at both ends.

And, it is just fast enough to keep up with highway traffic, though without much to spare at 65 mph. I am getting almost exactly 60 mpg in mixed town (70%), highway (10%) and dirt roads (20%).

Very nice city bike. You sit tall in the seat and can see well from that perch. Bike construction seems to be first rate!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th July, 2009